Bel Fuse Inc. (NASDAQ:BELFB) Short Interest Down 14.7% in February

Bel Fuse Inc. (NASDAQ:BELFB) was the recipient of a large decrease in short interest in the month of February. As of February 13th, there was short interest totaling 482,749 shares, a decrease of 14.7% from the January 29th total of 565,950 shares. Approximately 4.0% of the shares of the stock are sold short. Based on an average trading volume of 179,051 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 2.7 days. Based on an average trading volume of 179,051 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 2.7 days. Approximately 4.0% of the shares of the stock are sold short.

Bel Fuse Stock Performance

Shares of BELFB opened at $213.65 on Wednesday. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $205.96 and a 200 day moving average of $169.50. The company has a market capitalization of $2.70 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 43.51, a PEG ratio of 2.26 and a beta of 1.52. Bel Fuse has a 12 month low of $57.99 and a 12 month high of $248.61. The company has a current ratio of 3.02, a quick ratio of 1.71 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.46.

Bel Fuse Announces Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, May 1st. Investors of record on Wednesday, April 15th will be issued a dividend of $0.07 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, April 15th. This represents a $0.28 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.1%. Bel Fuse’s dividend payout ratio is 5.70%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of research analysts have recently issued reports on BELFB shares. Zacks Research downgraded shares of Bel Fuse from a “strong-buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a research report on Friday, January 2nd. Weiss Ratings downgraded shares of Bel Fuse from a “buy (b-)” rating to a “hold (c)” rating in a research report on Wednesday, February 25th. Wall Street Zen downgraded Bel Fuse from a “buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a research note on Saturday. Needham & Company LLC increased their price objective on Bel Fuse from $212.00 to $250.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a research note on Thursday, February 19th. Finally, Northland Securities set a $266.00 price target on Bel Fuse in a research report on Thursday, February 19th. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have given a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average target price of $196.20.

Insider Buying and Selling at Bel Fuse

In related news, CEO Farouq Salem Ali Tuweiq sold 33,967 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, February 25th. The shares were sold at an average price of $234.00, for a total transaction of $7,948,278.00. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Also, Director Peter E. Gilbert sold 4,500 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, February 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $238.75, for a total transaction of $1,074,375.00. Following the sale, the director owned 15,047 shares in the company, valued at $3,592,471.25. This represents a 23.02% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Corporate insiders own 5.37% of the company’s stock.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Bel Fuse

Several hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of BELFB. Farther Finance Advisors LLC raised its position in Bel Fuse by 365.6% in the 4th quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC now owns 149 shares of the electronics maker’s stock worth $25,000 after purchasing an additional 117 shares during the period. Kemnay Advisory Services Inc. purchased a new stake in Bel Fuse in the 4th quarter worth approximately $33,000. Jones Financial Companies Lllp grew its position in shares of Bel Fuse by 139.8% in the 3rd quarter. Jones Financial Companies Lllp now owns 259 shares of the electronics maker’s stock worth $37,000 after buying an additional 151 shares during the last quarter. Federated Hermes Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Bel Fuse by 52.5% during the third quarter. Federated Hermes Inc. now owns 334 shares of the electronics maker’s stock valued at $47,000 after acquiring an additional 115 shares in the last quarter. Finally, State of Alaska Department of Revenue bought a new stake in Bel Fuse in the third quarter valued at $78,000. 58.39% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

About Bel Fuse

Bel Fuse Inc is a global manufacturer of electronic components that bridge power, data and video applications. The company offers a comprehensive portfolio of products, including board-level circuit protection devices such as fuses, positive temperature coefficient (PTC) resistors and inductors; power transformers, modules and supplies; as well as connectivity solutions encompassing USB, HDMI, RJ45, coaxial and fiber-optic connectors. These products serve a wide array of end markets, including telecommunications, data communications, consumer electronics, industrial automation, automotive and renewable energy.

Founded in 1949 and headquartered in Oradell, New Jersey, Bel Fuse has grown through organic expansion and strategic acquisitions.